H.R. 1539 · 109th Congress

To amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to the responsibilities of a pharmacy when a pharmacist employed by the pharmacy refuses to fill a valid prescription for a drug on the basis of religious beliefs or moral convictions, and for other purposes.

Stage
In committee
Introduced
2005-04-08
Latest action
2005-04-22 · Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Summary

Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a pharmacy from receiving a prescription in interstate commerce unless it: (1) ensures that a prescription that is not filled due to a refusal by a pharmacist on the basis of religious beliefs or moral convictions is filled by another pharmacist employed by the pharmacy within four hours of such refusal; and (2) does not employ any pharmacist who refuses to return an unfilled prescription to the patient or transfer an unfilled prescription to another pharmacy with the intent to prevent a patient from filling a valid prescription for a drug.

Sets forth penalties for violations. Allows a civil action against a pharmacy for a violation of this Act.